The project
projects a new order onto the urban territory and the above-ground
transportation system as a way to catalyze a more efficient and
pedestrian friendly public space. The intervention articulates
architecture and landscape to reinterpret and express the memory
embedded in the site regarding the history of the city of
Santiago.

The Project
for the historic site of La Chimba subtly reveals the superposition
of past traces, such as the original edge of the Mapocho river and
the later appearance of space reserved for an urban park. 8,2
hectares of atomized parks become 14,86 hectares of continuous
public space that also incorporates a colorful landscape design and
abundant shade.

The notion
of esplanade as a continuous platform also rescues the historic
processions along the urban axis between the General Cemetery and
the Plaza de Armas in the city center that traverses the ancient
Cal y Canto bridge.

Low impact
design: The historic tracing of the Mapocho river indicates the
areas with greater flood risk, where the project introduces new
green infrastructure including porous pavements that filter
rainwater into the ground, as well as retention ponds that
temporarily store water.

Other low
impact considerations include a reduced presence of private
vehicles and the subsequent reduction of carbon emissions. Existing
pavement in good condition has been reused and recycled to build
the traces of the historic Cal y Canto bridge and the ancient flood
barriers, as part of the ground floor´s configuration. Lastly, over
800 new trees have been added to the site´s stock to contribute
shade, beauty and absorb CO2.